Dear Friends,
 
I want to share with you more information about an event, which occurred recently in the classroom of math teacher Ben Frisch. I fully understand that some of you wanted to know more-and sooner-and am very grateful for your patience and understanding. I have received letters of interest and concern, and have read them carefully. I was, until now, not able to address your concerns.
 
Ben is no longer on the faculty at Friends. The process of making this decision was lengthy because it was done carefully, thoroughly and with discernment; there was thoughtful discussion involving the administration, Personnel Committee and the Board of Trustees. It was a challenging process.
 
Primarily because of social media not under the School's control, there have been untrue and unfortunate rumors circulated about Ben's departure. Here are the facts: While teaching on February 14, Ben illustrated an angle with his arm, and-mimicking the Nazi salute-said "Heil Hitler!" Ben and the students reported awkward sustained silence in the wake of Ben's actions, and Ben later described the students as looking "confused" and "aghast." Ben then commented that people could no longer joke about Nazis, and labeled the students as being too sensitive for such humor. He continued the lesson, even as students remained unsettled.
 
Unfortunately, Ben did not report the incident to his department chair or division head, as we would have expected when a problem arises in class. At the end of the following day, concerned students from the class reported the incident. Additionally, other students who had heard of the incident were also upset and came forward. Our students know that words and signs of hate and fear have no place at Friends. 
 
As word of this incident began to spread, we started receiving calls and emails about other equally inappropriate and troubling actions by Ben. I will not share additional details, but these reports have also been investigated, and some have been independently corroborated. Given the insensitivity of Ben's recent classroom incident, along with the emergent pattern of inappropriate behavior, we feel it would be irresponsible to ask students to return to a classroom led by Ben.  
 
Department members, whom I thank, have taken up Ben's classes temporarily. The department and the Upper School are working on permanent arrangements now. Will Hopkins will be in touch as soon as we have finalized our plan for his classes.
 
I want to close by acknowledging Ben's many years of faithful service to Friends. I also ask that you hold all involved in the Light.
 
Sincerely,





Robert "Bo" Lauder
Principal
Friends Seminary, 222 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003